As we head into week 10 of the NFL season we can easily assess the performance of each team with just a quick glance at the standings. On the surface that measurement only indicates their performances during the months of September, October, and thus far into November. That assessment leaves out one of the most important months of the season, April.
Many teams over the past three decades have transformed themselves into dynasties, or crumbled into ruins by means of the draft. Whether you’re searching for a cornerstone left tackle or in desperate need of a ball hawking safety, the draft is where hope can become reality and visions of Super Bowl glory can cloud even the best of judgements.
Let’s take a look at how the top 15 picks of the first round of last April’s draft have performed through the midway point of the season.
Top 15
Pick Team Player Pos College
1. Lions Matthew Stafford QB Georgia
In Week 3 against the Redskins, Stafford led Detroit to their first win since Dec. 23, 2007. His progress during the early part of the season was offset by a knee injury he suffered against Chicago in Week 4. The injury kept him out of two straight contests and he’s thrown for 2 TDs and 6 INTs since his return. Look for Stafford to continue to progress as soon as he becomes 100% healthy.
2. Rams Jason Smith OT Baylor
Early injuries have slowed the emergence of this former Baylor Bear in 2009 and have only allowed him to start 3 out of 6 games. Steven Jackson’s yards-per-carry is up from 4.1 last season, to 4.8 this season and during Smith’s 3 starts, Jackson has averaged 108 rushing yards a game. Smith should expect to get more reps and more starts due to issues involving former 2005 first round pick Alex Barron.
3. Chiefs Tyson Jackson DE LSU
Jackson’s performance this season cannot be defined by statistics. He has 12 total tackles this season, with seven coming in a Week 9 loss to Jacksonville. He has yet to register a sack this season, but he was brought in primarily to shore up a Chiefs run defense that ranked 30th in the league in 2008. They are currently 28th against the run this season. Jackson’s impact as a top 5 pick remains to be seen.
4. Seahawks Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest
If there has been one bright spot in 2009 for the Seahawks, it would have to be the addition of Aaron Curry. He’s tallied 44 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles through the first half of 2009. He’s played a critical role in transforming a Seattle defense which ranked 30th in total defense in 2008, into the 13th ranked defense this season.
5. Jets Mark Sanchez QB USC
The headline of the draft hit the ground running by producing victories in each of his first three starts. The most impressive of which, was against the Patriots and an upright Tom Brady. Sanchez followed his impressive start to the season by losing three games in row and tossing one TD and 8 INTs in those contests. It seems as though the jury is still out on Sanchez. He has yet to play in the cold and windy climate of Giants Stadium, which we know can affect even the greatest of QBs (Brett Favre).
6. Bengals Andre Smith OT Alabama
Where to begin with the troubled, yet talented kid out of Alabama? You can trace it all the way back to the February NFL combine, and then find your way back to the broken foot he suffered on the second day after ending his training camp holdout. No matter which way you slice it, this pick stinks.
7. Raiders Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland
The most criticized pick of the top 15 has yet to silence his critics. His QB hasn’t provided much support in terms of accuracy and to make matters worse, fellow rookie, Louis Murphy, has more than tripled Heyward-Bey’s production this year. Oh, the Raiders drafted Murphy in the 3rd round at number 124. If you’re a GM in this league, you have to love Al Davis in April, because by November, your draft looks amazing compared to his. I can see GMs schmoozing with Raiders brass nights before the draft, so they can find out which players to remove from their own big boards.
8. Jaguars Eugene Monroe OT Virginia
The tackle from Virginia spent a few weeks in Coach Del Rio’s dog house after holding out to begin training-camp. Monroe proceeded to lose his starting job early on this season to the longtime vet, Tra Thomas. It was reported this week that Monroe had taken back his spot as starting left tackle. Jacksonville coaches and fans have to consider his rookie campaign to be disappointment.
9. Packers B.J. Raji DT Boston College
Raji’s season was delayed a couple of weeks due to an ankle injury during Green Bay’s final preseason game. Much like Tyson Jackson at Kansas City, Raji has tallied 11 tackles and has failed to register a sack in six games. Green Bay lacked depth on their defensive line going into last April’s draft and addressed that issue with the addition of Raji. Their run defense has improved from 26th in the league to 9th since last season.
10. 49ers Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech
Hands down, the most controversial pick of the NFL Draft. Crabtree may be recognized more for his 71-day holdout than his record breaking college career. Portrayed by many to be the next “diva” WR in San Francisco, Crabtree was the only sure bet at WR leading up to the draft and hasn’t disappointed since signing his 6-year contract. His 14 catches already rank him ahead of Heyward-Bey, and he’s played in only 3 games.
11. Bills Aaron Maybin DE Penn St.
Buffalo drafted Maybin to add speed and depth to their defensive line. He’s been playing behind Chris Kelsay and only seeing the field during third-down situations. Buffalo coaches have indicated that Maybin will see more reps and opportunities in the second-half of 2009.
12. Broncos Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia
Moreno’s playing time this season has been somewhat of a rollercoaster of sorts. The Denver coaching staff has been monitoring his touches this season as if he were on some sort of a pitch count. At times he’s shown that quick burst that turned him into a one-man highlight reel at Georgia, and at times he’s proven to be very mediocre. He leads all rookies with 423 yards rushing, but his 3.7 yards-per-carry is about a yard less than expected.
13. Redskins Brian Orakpo DE Texas
This year’s pass-rush specialist has been nothing short of phenomenal. He was brought in to disrupt the pass and make opposing QB’s look for him on every play. His six sacks are the most among rookies this season and it’s twice as many as fellow Redskin, Albert Haynesworth. Too bad Washington can’t translate this Rookie’s play into some much needed victories.
14. Saints Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio St.
The Saints have used Jenkins in many nickel and dime situations, but Jenkins has made a name for himself with his special teams play. He’s forced two fumbles on special teams plays and has earned a lot of respect with the veterans for his work ethic. The Saints have the luxury of assigning their first-round pick to kick coverage duties because of their depth at DB.
15. Texans Brian Cushing OLB USC
Following the footsteps of Willie McGinest, Lofa Tatupu, and Troy Polamalu, Cushing is another defensive player from USC that has made an immediate impact in the NFL. He leads all rookies with 78 total tackles and has also recorded 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 INT’s. The Texans look to have another major building block to go alongside Mario Williams, Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels, and Steve Slaton.
Look for Part II coming Saturday, November 14th
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